I'm still quite skeptical of his abilities at this level. He seems pretty slow from what I've seen and I think stronger opposition would expose his inexperience.
HT 2-1, we should win this comfortably. Kaderabek is creating a lot of chances from the right, and probably our best player overall that half though most of our squad were solid-to-good. Koubek easily the worst for more or less gifting Cyprus a goal. We look dangerous on almost every set-piece.
It's always hard to really make evaluations (unless you do what Koubek did) in meaningless games that lack tactical precision and are played with a new look lineup. I don't think that first half would've had any influence on how Silhavy plans to play/lineup against Israel.
Similar to Krmencik against Slovakia, I hope that Vydra gets a goal. He's working hard and could use it.
Vydra reminds me of Masopust sort of. Finds himself in dangerous postions but usually fails and frustrates.
I feel like Darida must have pulled off a sweet backheel in training recently and really wants to duplicate it.
Actually would have liked to see both on at the same time, I think Hlozek's ability to draw defenders would play well with today's Vydra as a 2nd striker. That said, right now I just want to see one of the currently available strikers prove they can score an international goal.
Almost again from the corner. Finishing is really the only weak point this match aside from the goalkeeper error.
I don't think I've ever seen a centreback pairing actively switch sides as much as Hovorka and Petrasek have today.
2-1 FT. Annoying not to have won that game by multiple goals, either from not conceding that silly goal or finishing another of our chances.
I already suspect the lineup for our Nations League game in Israel will be: Vaclik - Coufal, Celustka, Kudela, Boril - Soucek, Kral - Masopust, Dockal, Hlozek - Vydra
Sort of nothing match despite the win, we were solid and able to give newer CB options much needed minutes, but we still struggle a bit in front of goal. I think a major lesson of the Scotland fiasco is we have a deep selection of players that won't embarrass themselves, but really depend on relatively small set of players to score goals. I agree with Skevin that we should probably put Kaderabek on the wing most likely instead of Vydra, since if we aren't using a two striker system then its probably not much purpose to have both on the field to start. Kaderabek sort of disappeared in the 2nd half, but we don't really have anyone else with his crossing ability - although Provod did well on set piece crosses). Truthfully, I would probably do: -----------------------Vaclik--------------------- Coufal----Celustka ---- Kudela -----Boril -----------------------Soucek------------------- -------------Darida---------------Kral------------ ----------------------Dockal---------------------- --------------Vydra---------------Hlozek--------- But, I think its clear Silhavy will pick a 4-2-3-1
Overall, Hovorka was overall the better of the two, but felt either can provide much needed depth. For Petrasek, I'd truly never seen him except highlights of goalscoring headers so he was a bit more well rounded than I expected. Definitely think he can move to a better club.
Hovorka definitely has more potential to become a regular national team player of the two. This time last year he was arguably the best Czech defender with his Champions League form. I'd probably prefer him to play alongside Celustka eventually if he returns to that form, but I can understand Silhavy opting for a less erratic, more experienced player in Kudela (who I'm not particularly fond of, but is okay to fill in for the remaining games this year). I remain hopeful that Zima will continue to improve and is even considered as a back up option going into 2021.
This was also likely the last opportunity to field such an experimental side before the Euros. We have another friendly in November, but against Germany, so can't exactly be too daring there. Also, I read that Scotland had a number of players withdraw (some probable starters too), from their squad, so possibly an additional advantage to us on top of our next two opponents literally playing one another in a completely different and more meaningful competition just days prior. I mean in fairness, nothing can equate to the advantage they had over us last month, so we probably deserve some luck for all our troubles. As for the playoffs tomorrow, it would not surprise me at all if Israel and Norway are battling for that final spot in our group come November. Though I can totally see Scotland just shithousing their way into the Euros.